History Of Udaipur

The history of Udaipur is flecked with stories of glorious feats and deeds of the Rajputs. Like its counterpart states of Jaipur and Jodhpur, the city is embossed in history as the hub of Rajputana Agency. Founded by Udai Singh II of the Mewar dynasty and named after him, Udaipur is the only city that did not yield to the pressure of the Mughal Empire. As you go through the city's history, you will notice the humungous role of the Sisodia clan in giving Udaipur its prized historical standing. Many believe that the Sisodia kinfolk were the decedents of the Sun god. Even today, you will find the inscription of sun on their royal flag and outside the king's residence. However, a few historians beg to differ and opine that the Sisodias were the offshoots of the Chauhans. Whatever may have been their origin, there is little denying on their contribution in making Udaipur stand out as one of the most peaceful cities in the country.

Read the article to unearth interesting facts on the history of Udaipur.

Udaipur History

Early Findings Of The City
Udaipur was founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in the year 1559. The Maharana moved to the city in the year 1568 when Akbar captured Udai Singh's fort in Chittor and he was forced to shift his capital to Udaipur, erstwhile known as Mewar. According to the legends, it's said that during one of his hunting expeditions in the foothills of the Aravalli Range, Maharana Udai Singh stumbled upon a sage who asked him to build a palace there and assured him that the palace would stay unassailable evermore. Accordingly, Maharana Udai Singh II built a vast palace on the spot. During the later years, when Mughal Emperor Akbar seized the fort of Chittor, Udai Singh strategically shifted his capital to this place, which came to be known as Udaipur later.

Udaipur Under Mughal Empire
With the invasion of the Muslim rulers in India, the country witnessed radical changes with respect to religious beliefs, administration of the state and cultural convictions in most parts of the country except for Udaipur. Ruled by powerful leaders, the place was not much affected by the Muslim domination. Sisodia clan, better feted for their patriotism, honor, bravery and chivalry, vehemently opposed to Mughal dominion and followed every ploy in the book to avoid being overthrown by the Muslim rulers. In fact, their disapproval towards the Mughals was so strong that they even turned down all propositions of alliance with them. After the Mughal Empire start to decline in the 17th century, the ranas and the maharanas of this city asserted there authority and seized the surrounding areas except Chittor. Due to its strategic geographic location, it's said that Mughal found it difficult to assail Udaipur and hence the history of this princely state remained unmarred by Mughal power.

British India And Post-Independence
When the European merchants invaded the sub-continent like the rest of India, Udaipur did not experience any kind of distress from the British and was immediately made as the capital of the state in the year 1818. The warriors of Udaipur were known for their independent nature and valor. Maharana Fatah Singh was one such king who opposed to the Colonial rule in India by not making an appearance at the Delhi Durbar for the coronation of King George the V in the year 1911. After the freedom struggle, Maharana Bhupal Singh gave his consent for Udaipur to be merged with Republic India in the year 1947. Mewar was incorporated as a part of Rajasthan territory. Today, this peaceful state is an important tourist destination that remains enveloped with a rich heritage, culture, serene natural water bodies, magnificent palaces and monuments.